Southeast Louisiana Parishes Enact Curfews Amid Historic Snowfall

NEW ORLEANS — A historic snowfall blanketed Southeast Louisiana on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, prompting multiple parishes to enforce curfews due to hazardous road conditions and icy impacts. The unprecedented winter storm led to widespread power outages, dangerous driving conditions, and the closure of businesses and schools across the region.

Lafourche Parish officials announced a curfew effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday, which will remain in place as long as icy conditions persist. Residents were urged to shelter in place and avoid roadways to allow emergency personnel to respond to emergencies. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies are enforcing the curfew but are providing a grace period for business employees to return home. Essential personnel must carry identification or placards to verify their status.

In St. Bernard Parish, Parish President Louis Pomes issued a curfew from 6 p.m. Tuesday until noon Wednesday. Sheriff James Pohlmann emphasized that deputies will actively enforce the curfew, permitting travel only for emergencies or essential work purposes. “The roads are extremely dangerous, and we need everyone to stay home for their safety,” Pohlmann said.

The City of Picayune also implemented a curfew from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday. Additionally, Plaquemines Parish instituted a dusk-to-dawn curfew, prohibiting travel into and out of the parish during nighttime hours. St. John the Baptist Parish and St. James Parish followed suit, with curfews in effect from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning due to deteriorating road conditions caused by ice and snow.

Authorities across the region warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel, as roads remain treacherous. “The combination of snow and refreezing overnight will make driving extremely hazardous,” said a spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Transportation. Emergency crews are working to restore power and clear roadways, but officials urged patience as conditions remain challenging.

This rare winter event has disrupted daily life in Southeast Louisiana, with schools, businesses, and government offices closed. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and adhere to curfew guidelines to ensure their safety.